A new chapter
Peter Kay starts podcasting
Peter Kay is jumping on the podcast bandwagon, by charging fans up to £1.50 to hear him read the first chapter of his autobiography.The book, The Sound Of Laughter, is out on Thursday – but those who cannot wait to hear how it starts can order the recording from his official website by text message.
The Phoenix Nights star wrote the memoirs after learning that journalist Johnny Dee was putting together an unofficial biography, which came out in June.
But even if it was reluctant, Kay’s decision appears to have paid off handsomely. More than 250,000 advance orders have been placed for the £18.99 book – making it the fastest selling autobiography this year.
A spokesman from publishers Random House said: ‘Peter has written a wonderful book. We’re thrilled with the response we’ve had from the trade and absolutely delighted about the opportunity for Peter to broadcast extracts via a podcast.’
Ricky Gervais, who pioneered the paid-for podcast, has notched up eight million downloads, charging 95p per episode after a hugely successful free first series. He has now decided to quit making them before people grow bored of him.Click here to preorder the book
Published: 2 Oct 2006
